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There’s a Chilean bakery hiding in the bush on this Blue Mountains walk

Credit: Supplied

A leisurely bushwalk, a view over Glenbrook Creek, and Chilean cake about two-thirds of the way in – if you get there before it sells out.

Every Saturday from 9am, a yellow stand made from recycled pallets opens by the roadside near Martins Lookout in the Blue Mountains. It sells Chilean cakes, biscuits and manjar (dulce de leche), all made by one woman.

House of Suns is a micro-bakery belonging to Romina Gardella (Romi), who came to Australia from Chile more than 16 years ago. She now lives off-grid in the mountains with her husband, their three children and a dog. She’s a self-taught baker and built the stand with her family from pallets, painting them bright yellow in the hope someone would stop.

The stand officially opened on 4 April 2026, and every Saturday since, there has been a queue, and things sell out fast.

How to get there

There is an address – 115 Farm Road, Springwood – but it’ll take you to a weathered timber sign that reads “MARTINS LOOKOUT | 1.7 KM | 30 MINS WALK". Then, about one kilometre along that track, you’ll come across the bright yellow House of Suns bakery stand.

Farm Road is a sealed road that runs from Springwood towards Martins Lookout. Park at the Springwood end and walk the kilometre to the stand. It’s all part of the experience.

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What’s on offer?

House of Suns micro-bakery in the Blue Mountains pie
Romi's baking is deeply rooted in tradition. (Credit: Supplied)
House of Suns micro-bakery in the Blue Mountains cake selection
The menu changes weekly. (Credit: Supplied)
House of Suns micro-bakery in the Blue Mountains cake
Come by on Saturdays from 9am. (Credit: Supplied)

The menu changes weekly, but dulce de leche is always at the heart. You could find anything from alfajores (sweet biscuits) and torta amor (love cake) to cheesecakes and brownies with a Chilean twist.

Payment is by an honesty system. Either cash into a box at the stand, or PayID to the number written on a piece of paper inside it. There are no pre-orders, no card facility and nothing vegan. “This is traditional baking full of eggs, butter, cream, milk and sugar," the bakery’s website says.

So, bring cash. Go early. And if the shelves are bare by the time you arrive, you haven’t wasted your morning, because Martins Lookout is only another 700 metres up the road. And you’ll just need to come back for the sweet Chilean goods another time.

Details

House of Suns micro-bakery in the Blue Mountains
Spot the stand in the Blue Mountains bushland. (Credit: Supplied)
House of Suns micro-bakery in the Blue Mountains owner Romi
Romi is Chilean and bakes everything herself. (Credit: Supplied)
House of Suns micro-bakery in the Blue Mountains
The stand represents sunshine. (Credit: Supplied)

Address: 115 Farm Road, Springwood, NSW

Opening hours: Saturdays from 9am

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Emily Murphy
Emily Murphy is Australian Traveller's Email & Social Editor, and in her 4+ years at the company she has been instrumental in shaping its social media and email presence, and crafting compelling narratives that inspire others to explore Australia's vast landscapes. Her previous role was a journalist at Prime Creative Media and before that she was freelancing in publishing, content creation and digital marketing. When she's not creating scroll-stopping travel content, Em is a devoted 'bun mum' and enjoys spending her spare time by the sea, reading, binge-watching a good TV show and exploring Sydney's vibrant dining scene. Next on her Aussie travel wish list? South Australia and The Kimberley.
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After dark: 6 experiences along the Murray lighting up the night

(Credit: Serena Munro)

    Gemma Kaczerepa Gemma Kaczerepa
    See the Murray region in an entirely different light by exploring its night-time experiences and attractions.

    By day, the mighty Murray River is a majestic and ever-changing sight, with river red gums and wetlands stretching along 2500 kilometres. But by night, its cities, towns, villages and landscapes totally transform.

    From Albury Wodonga to Mildura, and everywhere in between, you’ll be in for a multi-sensory and memorable treat encompassing mesmerising light shows, guided ghost tours and vibrant celebrations that capture the nocturnal magic of the river.

    This is no ordinary nighttime adventure; the region becomes an entirely different world when the sun sets. Discover six must-do activities along the Murray that can only be enjoyed after dark.

    1. Share in ghostly tales

    Port After Dark tour Murray at night
    Hold on to your nerve when learning local ghost stories. (Credit: Campaspe Shire Council)

    If you’re up for something a little more spine-tingling, Port After Dark in Echuca is your best bet. Rumour has it that the Port of Echuca Wharf and the buildings around it have long been home to lingering ghosts and mysterious events – like the vengeful woman said to haunt an old tramway bridge and spirits searching for stolen money through the town centre.

    You can hear all about them on this guided lantern tour, which takes place on Wednesday and Saturday nights after dark. The stories are atmospheric and intriguing – you may even spot a ghost or two yourself. If you’d like a more intimate experience, private tours are also available to groups of 15 or more.

    2. Wander art installations

    Bruce Munroe's Fibre Optic Symphoinic Orchestra Murray at night
    See Bruce Munro’s immersive art installation. (Credit: Serena Munro)

    Right near the Perry Sandhills, sits an experience that feels almost otherworldly. Artist Bruce Munro (of Uluru’s Field of Lights fame) has created a Fibre Optic Symphonic Orchestra, a network of 80 Hills Hoists illuminated with fibre optic light combined with the sounds of an orchestra. The clotheslines glow and pulse in time to the specially composed score, immersing you in a dreamscape of light and sound.

    For a different light experience, you’ll find stillness at Trail of Lights, also curated by Munro. Located just 30 minutes away on Lock Island in Mildura, thousands of lights stretch over the landscape, spotlighting both the river and a series of Munro’s sculptures. The trail is intended to be a peaceful and meditative setting for wandering and reflecting.

    3. Learn through lasers

    Heartbeat of the Murray at night
    Travel 30 million years into the Murray’s past at Heartbeat of the Murray. (Credit: Ewen Bell)

    Discover a fascinating history in this dual act of lights and projections on the banks of the Little Murray River. Legends of the Mallee is a multimedia show in Swan Hill combining lasers and lights, which tells the story of the region’s rich past. Learn about the Wamba Wamba and Wadi Wadi Peoples who first inhabited the area, as well as the figures and events that shaped the Mallee of today.

    The river steals the spotlight in the Heartbeat of the Murray, a multimedia spectacle inside the Pioneer Settlement encompassing lights, lasers, sound and special effects against the natural backdrop. Through a sequence of large-scale animated projections, you’ll go back 30 million years to explore the Murray River’s formation before travelling to the present to learn how it supports modern communities.

    4. Light up the lake

    Lake Mulwala Laser Light Show Murray at night
    Watch the lights and lasers of Lake Mulwala. (Credit: Mulwala Water Ski Club)

    Travelling with kids? Head to Yarrawonga Mulwala and nearby Lake Mulwala for the family-friendly Laser Light & Sound Show. Lights and lasers are projected over the lake and onto curtains of fog, creating a colourful and high-energy visual display. The show suits all ages and tastes, set to a mix of songs that everyone knows and loves.

    You can take in the spectacle from either the grassy banks of the lake or book a table at the Mulwala Water Ski Club’s Malibu Deck Cafe, serving pub-style food and refreshing drinks, including excellent classic cocktails. If you’re watching from the foreshore, the show is entirely free, making it a great budget-friendly option.

    5. Be captivated by local culture

    Bullanginya Dreaming Murray at night
    Soak in the culture of the Bangerang People. (Credit: Laser Vision)

    Set aside an evening to explore Bullanginya Dreaming in Cobram Barooga – you’ll want ample time to take in the stories and symbolism of this immersive laser light and sound trail. The 1.8-kilometre trail explores the storytelling and culture of the Bangerang People, who have long cared for the lands around Bullanginya Lagoon in Barooga. The trail features 12 activations – each telling a different story – and combines dramatic lights and lasers with water and fire.

    Intertwined with the visual displays are Bangerang narratives, giving you meaningful insight into the area’s Indigenous heritage. It’s designed to be explored over 90 or so minutes, encouraging you to move slowly and thoughtfully.

    6. Discover a winter glow

    winterglow festival
    See the streets of Albury Wodonga come to life after dark. (Credit: Visit Albury Wodonga)

    Albury Wodonga comes alive as the weather drops, with an annual celebration of the season on Saturday, 15 August. WinterGlow takes over the CBD and features a vibrant program of things to see, do, learn, eat and drink.

    Take part in hands-on workshops that let you try different art forms and crafts. Feast on street food and winter warmers from local eateries. Browse for artisan wares at the night markets. Watch musical acts on the main stage. Or get involved in different activations, including a silent disco and giant maze. Artificial snow will be falling to add to the festive atmosphere.

    Even wandering the streets and laneways and soaking up the late-night energy will leave you feeling enchanted.

    Start planning a day-to-night adventure along the Murray at visitthemurray.com.au.